Why has Ambrit started to use blogs?
What does Ambrit use a blog for?
Will the blog replace the ambrit-rome.com website?
How is it different to the website?
What if I don't want my child to be included in the blog Or I have a comment?
Blog stands for ''Web-Log'' (weBLOG). In simple terms, a blog is an online, interactive space where people can post ideas, comments, pictures and videos and others can respond or comment on previous posts. Many blogs provide commentary or news on a particular subject; others function as more personal online diaries. "A typical blog combines text, images, and links to other blogs, web pages, and other media related to its topic. The ability for readers to leave comments in an interactive format is an important part of many blogs". (taken from Wikipedia, May 9th, 2008). Blogs can be used for a variety of purposes: keeping an online journal to share thoughts and ideas with friends, family or in fact the world; share photos and videos with those around you; connect socially to others; connect to a wider community and connect people who share a common interest.
Today's children are faced with an extensive array of technology; from computers, iPods and Playstations to digital cameras and mobile phones. As such, the internet also continues to advance, and in recent years has become less passive and more interactive - as it moves from simple information displayed on a webpage, to interactive games and social networking sites such as Facebook, MySpace, Blogger; which connect people all around the world in new and different ways. This trend is known as Web 2.0.
As a result, it is important that we as educators progress with the technology that our children are faced with everyday. Blogs are valuable tools in displaying and publishing school life and activities and connecting our wider school community. It is important to note that the use of blogs at Ambrit has an educational perspective. While it is true blogs can be used to connect people socially, the blogs at Ambrit are used to connect those within our community, including parents, friends, teachers and students (both past and present!).
Blogs are used in a variety of different ways at Ambrit. As they lend themselves to be interactive sites maintained by a few authors, in this case, teachers, they can become very useful in classroom learning and teaching. Teachers are able to post assignments, discussion questions, examples of student work, including digital media such as photos and videos. Students can also participate in online discussions, perhaps about the topic they are studying in class and respond and reply to other students, thus promoting interaction among students. Furthermore, those students who may have to take extended periods of leave due to sickness, may be able to keep up with the work and assignments happening in class. It is important to note, that not every teacher or class uses a blog.
Blogs are also used to connect the Ambrit community, as parents, friends, students past and present and teachers, can interact from where ever in the world they may be. Upcoming events, photos of students' work and school participation, news about the school, videos and many other things, can all be shared and accessed from any computer with internet access.
Already, the school has started to use blogs. Please click on any of the following for an example:
Ambrit School Blog - Still in Development
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This blog is for use by the students of Middle School. It is a closed blog, in that it is viewable only by those students who have been invited. The blog is concerned with opening up discussion about issues, topics and concerns that are relevant to young adults, in an informal and anonymous way. It is important to note, that the blog is strictly moderated by teachers to monitor the safety of the students. |
No. The ambrit-rome website will continue to be hosted on the internet. Blogs at Ambrit are aimed at connecting the community of Ambrit.
Blogs are used primarily as a way of promoting interaction among the school community. The blog will not contain information such as fees, application, curriculum documents, timetables; however may include things like important school events, newsletters, links to help your child with their work, photos of recent events, while promoting a sense of community.
The safety of students is a priority at Ambrit and one that is taken very seriously. Blogs by definition lend themselves to be public and open for the world to see. In accordance with schools existing policy of the display of students work / photographs, student surnames will never be used online.
Blogs that do not require interaction (perhaps maybe a teacher's blog that simply posts homework assignments) will be open. However, in order to participate in a blog, i.e. post a comment, post a photo, participate in online focused discussion topics, students are required to sign in using an email account. This is to ensure that only students from Ambrit are able to participate and comment. The type of blog that is used will determine if the children are required to sign in or can simply view information in a passive way.
If the blog is used as a tool for classroom learning, it is best to speak to your child's teacher, as some course work may be needed to be completed.
If you do not wish for your child to be included in photos / videos or examples of student work online, please contact the Administration or a member of the Technology department.
If you have comments or questions, please email the Technology Department.
Grade 5 Pompeii Trip 2008.
